@akan004 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Am a fan of Rennie's coaching style and his assistants. Not a fan of his conservative selections.
I don’t think he’s been conservative at all. There are some statements being made. Taking 3 9’s is really pushing home that statement I posted yesterday regarding the halfbacks.
@kirwan said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Blackadder and Bell real head scratchers. Is Blackadder going to be a midweek captain maybe?
“The franchise games will provide an opportunity for other leaders in the group to step in as Captain, before Ardie Savea arrives in South Africa ahead of the first Test match. Ardie has carried a massive workload in the last couple of years and we think it is best for him to have an extended break so he can come back ready to lead us into the Test series. We have a number of excellent leaders in our squad who will embrace the chance to captain the side.”
@landers92 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@akan004 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Am a fan of Rennie's coaching style and his assistants. Not a fan of his conservative selections.
I don’t think he’s been conservative at all. There are some statements being made. Taking 3 9’s is really pushing home that statement I posted yesterday regarding the halfbacks.
Possibly partly true, although it may also be they don't feel a fourth halfback is actually needed. Roigard likely to play the majority of the test minutes.
Also hammers home that they feel there is a massive gap between #1 and #2.
@youngwill89 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@kirwan in what world is Bell a head scratcher
In the world where throwing to a lineout is an important skill for a hooker.
There isnt really an obvious alternative to Bell. Taylor also struggles with lineouts and Oudenryn is extremely green. I'm not sure of Moananu's availability.
@kirwan said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Blackadder and Bell real head scratchers. Is Blackadder going to be a midweek captain maybe?
Zero surprise with either for me.
Blackadder is the closest player to Jacobson, and regardless of what you think of his selection it would be hard to argue that he doesn't fit the Rennie work ethic criteria.
Bell's throwing is much improved, and he's very good around the park - I reckon he's clearly 4th.
McAlister being named as the Canterbury captain also pointed to him not being the fourth hooker.
And surely BB is the likely non-test captain if he plays.
@landers92 is it though?
@akan004 said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Am a fan of Rennie's coaching style and his assistants. Not a fan of his conservative selections.
Conservative? Who would you have picked different?
@reprobate said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
@kirwan said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:
Blackadder and Bell real head scratchers. Is Blackadder going to be a midweek captain maybe?
Zero surprise with either for me.
Blackadder is the closest player to Jacobson, and regardless of what you think of his selection it would be hard to argue that he doesn't fit the Rennie work ethic criteria.
Bell's throwing is much improved, and he's very good around the park - I reckon he's clearly 4th.
There has been a Blackadder shaped hole in the squad for a long time.
I welcome the return of the Ruck Leper. Limbs everywhere.
Onya Ethan. Rip in.
Only remaining question is whether we will see additional players as cover for likes of A Savea and C Taylor.
Considering how Rennie turned Messam's game around as a 6, to the point where he filled in adequately for an absent Kaino for a season, I have some faith he can turn Blackadders busyness into a more effective busyness.
Here we go folks: Lauaki, Bell, Norris, Holland, Blackadder, Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jacomb, Tavatavanawai, Ioane and Narawa come in.
